Always light the candles

Chapter 30

I take another sip of my beer, feeling lighter and more at ease than I have in a long while. "You know," I say suddenly, my voice slightly slurred with the alcohol, "I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time."

My father smiles at me, raising his own beer in agreement. "Sometimes a good night with family is all you need," he says, his voice gruff yet affectionate. Ginny nods, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Just wait until we break out the board games. Then you'll really feel relaxed," she teases, earning a groan from my father.

I chuckle along with them, the warm, familiar banter filling the room. "Oh no," I say with mock horror, "Anything but the board games, please. I don't think my brain can handle the stress."

My mother laughs heartily, clearly enjoying our playful interaction. "Oh, come on," she says. "You know you love it when I wipe the floor with you in Monopoly."

With that we play Monopoly for the first time together since Lily has died. In her honour I pick her favourite figure in the shape of a hat with the intention of winning.

***

When I wake up the next morning in my old shared room, I feel nostalgic. I constantly feel tears welling up in my eyes, but I always tell myself that this is just a sign that I loved someone. People may argue that the greatest feeling is love, but in reality it is grief.

Grief is the price we pay for love.

After all to love is to loose. And still keep going.

I think to myself and with these thoughts I get dressed up. I help out my parents with cleaning and chores around the house and as the afternoon settles it is time for me to return back to Hogwarts. I hug my parents a little tighter than usual, grateful for them, and with kisses on the cheek I grab my Nimbus and take off into the air towards the castle.

***

The sun is just beginning to descend, bathing the castle grounds in a warm, golden light. I land gracefully in the courtyard, taking a moment to appreciate the familiar sights and sounds of Hogwarts. Students are milling about, their voices and laughter filling the air. I take a deep breath, feeling a mixture of emotions wash over me — nostalgia, gratitude, a hint of melancholy.

I begin the trek towards the common room, my steps carrying me automatically. As I walk, I catch snippets of conversation from groups of students. Some congratulate me on catching the snitch, others exchange gossip about my Yule ball outfit. I respond politely, engaging in brief exchanges, but my mind is somewhat elsewhere.

I enter the Slytherin common room, the door hissing shut behind me. The dim, green-tinted light of the room gives it a serene, underwater-like feel. My destination set in mind to the dormitory to check up on little Judy but my plans are thwarted by Alexander who stops me, "Potter!" he says breathlessly. I raise an eyebrow at him suspiciously. "It's about Scorps." he blurts out. 

I immediately tense up at the mention of Scorpius. "What about him?" he asked firmly, "He told me that you two had a fight and that he needed to go for a walk to clear his head, but he's been gone for hours. I just met a lad from Gryffindor who told me that he last saw him heading towards the forbidden forest." Alexander explained and my heart stopped at those words. Scorpius went to the forbidden forest? What an idiot. If something happens to him, it will be because of me. I refuse to lose anyone else. 

***

The realization that Scorpius has ventured into the forbidden forest sends a surge of worry coursing through me. Ignoring any potential danger, or the implications of heading into the forest after sunset, I break into a sprint across the school grounds. The cold night air whips around me as I run, my steps determined and frantic as I race towards the edge of the forest.